Autism, a developmental disorder of the brain affects children all over the nation. The Texas chapter of Autism Speaks will hold their 2015 Houston Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Minute Maid Park.

“Not only does the walk raise vital funds for autism research, but it helps to raise much needed awareness about autism within the community,” said Kaitlin Hart, manager for field development of Houston Autism Speaks. “The more that people know about autism, the more they will be accepting and understanding.”

Autism Speaks is a leading advocacy organization that works toward raising awareness and funding autism spectrum disorder. According to Centers for Disease and Control about 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Members of the chapter hope to raise awareness and funds that will benefit research and family services. According to AutismSpeaks.org, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the nation.

According to the Texas Chapter of Autism Speaks, more than $5.2 million in local family service and research grants and $32,875 Autism Cares funds provided to residents affected by unplanned hardships have been given out in Texas since 2011.

Participants can look forward to a ½ mile walk and a community resource fair during the event. The community resource fair will offer families with information on services such as educational options, therapists, recreational programs and child-friendly activities.

“The Resource Fair is one of the most important aspects to our Walk Day because it provides information to our families on the autism services available to them here locally,” said Hart. “We want to make sure that every family has the access to the services in their community.”